Page 141 of Coordinates of Death

Dale screamed.

Hayley’s shot had hit Jade in the forehead, a perfect bull’s-eye.

Aurora lunged at Dale, his remorse for Jade giving them the distraction they needed. Aurora knocked him over and seized the gun, aiming it at him. “Don’t move.”

His gaze shifted to Kordell, eyes narrowing as tears glistened. “You killed her. Your sniper sister is responsible, and for that you’ll pay. One way or another, you’ll pay.”

“I tried to talk you down, Dale.” Kordell hauled him to his feet. “This is your fault. Not ours. You could have prevented her death.” He gripped the distraught man in a tight hold.

Pounding sounded. “Police, open up!”

“Kord, you got him?” Aurora trained the weapon on Dale.

“I do. Let them in.”

She scrambled to the front door and opened it.

Constable Rain filed in, weapon raised, followed by Hill, Wheeler, and other constables. Hayley and Dawson entered after on high alert. They both hugged Kordell.

Relief relaxed Aurora’s shoulders. “I’m so glad to see you all.”

Hill took the gun from her before yanking her into his arms, obviously not caring what the others thought of the fatherly gesture. “Are you okay?”

“I am now.” Aurora buried her head in his strong arms.

“So glad to hear that. I was frantic when Kordell mentioned the cruiser wasn’t out front at your condo and you’d been kidnapped.”

“What happened to them? Are they okay?”

“I found the constable a few streets over, unconscious. After paramedics treated him, he said you had called him and asked him to meet you at a different location. You’d supposedly gone for a walk via your patio door. When he arrived, someone knocked him out.”

“That must have been Jade.”

“Most likely.”

Wheeler shouted commands in the background. “The Shadow Box Killer finally met his match. Driscoll, you disgust me. Get him out of here.”

“With pleasure.” Rain slapped the cuffs on Dale. “Let’s go for a drive in the country. To the country jail, that is.”

She and her colleague Constable Abrams led him outside.

Aurora retreated from Hill’s embrace. “Thank you for saving us. Did you come in through the gate?”

Kordell returned to Aurora’s side.

“Only Dawson and Rain. The rest of us approached from the north and bypassed the fence security. Thanks to Mikaela. She’s good.” Hill gestured toward Kordell. “It was all his plan. He’s one smart survivalist. Gave us tips on what to watch for on our way through the area. We avoided a suspended spiked log and a bear trap.”

Kordell nodded. “I’m so glad it helped. Thankfully you found the traps. There’s probably more out there. I had a feeling this place would be full of them based on what SBK had previously set for us in the other locations.” He turned to Hayley. “I figured you’d be up in a tree somewhere overlooking that window.”

“Best vantage point.” She eyed Jade’s body. “She stepped in front of Dale just as I took the shot. Do you think she knew?”

“No idea, sis. Staff Sergeant Hill, I guess we need to call in Dr. Sharpe.”

Hill brought out his sat phone, walking to the other side of the room. “On it.”

“Everything secure?” Dirk entered the mansion, with Nadine following.

Wheeler beckoned them inside. “Yes.”